"We have ticked a lot of boxes, learnt a lot and there are some areas to focus still," victorious Indian captain Rohit Sharma informed the media after India scored a 2-1 win over Australia in the three-match Mastercard T20 international series in Hyderabad on September 25, 2022.
“It has been a good series overall,” he said.
On Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit said they all knew his quality and that he had been very consistent, playing impactful innings.
“In every match, he intends to play a notch higher. He seems to be getting better and better. That is a good sign,” the captain said.
“Today it was an exceptional innings (from Suryakumar) to take the game away in the company of a fantastic Virat Kohli on the other hand. It was a crucial century stand between them. It was great for us the way these two guys batted,” Rohit said.“There is pressure chasing 180-plus. But they kept backing themselves,” he added.
Reflecting on pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rohit felt it was important he was given that space. “He brings quality to the team. We believe in his ability. Yes, of late there were more bad days than good days. We have been working on some plans. He will be as good as before, importantly he is not short on confidence,” he said.
“It is for us to show faith in him, keep backing him, trying to work on other things. Can’t be predictable,” Rohit said.
“I think we have to keep tightening up all departments. Batting has been brilliant since last Asia Cup. Need to be more clinical, show aggression,” he said.
“Yes, we have eyes on a thing or two. Fielding also needs to keep improving. And, lot more focus on bowling,” the star opener said.
Commenting on the choice between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik, Rohit felt that both of them needed game-time.
“The idea is to stick to a consistent line-up. We will manage these guys carefully,” the captain concluded..
'Want to give Karthik more game time ahead of WC'
Rohit Sharma wants to give wicketkeeper batter Dinesh Karthik more time in the middle before the team heads Down Under for the T20 World Cup next month.
Indian have been alternating between Karthik and Rishabh Pant in their playing XI.
While the young keeper was given the nod ahead of the veteran player in the Asia Cup, Karthik was picked for all three matches against Australia.
“I wanted both of these guys to have a number of games under their belt before the World Cup. When we went to the Asia Cup both of these guys were in the fray to play all games," Rohit said at the post-match press conference after India clinched the three-match series against Australia on Sunday.
“But I just feel that Dinesh needs a little more game time. He hardly got to bat (this series). Just maybe three balls. So that’s not enough time,” Rohit added.
Karthik faced seven balls in total against Australia, while Pant played only one game where he did not get a chance to bat.
“Pant also needs game time obviously. But looking at how this series was it was important for me to just stick to that consistent batting lineup.” India take on South Africa for a three-match T20I series, starting Wednesday and Rohit said Karthik and Pant's inclusion in the playing xi will depend upon the situation.
“I don't know what we're gonna do against South Africa. We just need to go and see their bowling, what sort of bowling lineup they'll play with, and who are the best guys for us who can handle that bowling lineup. It all depends on that.
“We want to be flexible in our batting. So if the situation or if the thing demands that we need a left-hander, we will bring in a left-hander if we need a right-hander, we will continue to do that.
“But we'll try and manage those guys pretty carefully. I do understand that they need game time before the World Cup but there are only 11 players you can play, unfortunately."
(With PTI inputs)
